Engine-timer



C. C. MANNING ENGINE TIMER.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT, 22. 1919.

1,355,682. Patented Oct. 12, 1920.

(TU/Way ing- UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EN GINE-TIMER.

Application filed September 22, 1919.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES C MANNING,

a citizen of the United States, residing at orning, in the county of Steuben and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Engine-Timers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in timers or distributors for the ignition systems of explosive engines, and has for its primary object to provide a novel insulator supporting the'contact members which is constructed of glass or such other material having equivalent parent qualities.

Another object is the provision of a timer in which a portion of the transparent insulator is exposed through an opening provided in the timer or distributer casing thus permitting the internal working parts of the timer to be inspected during actual operation.

With these and other objects in view as will appear as the description proceeds, the invention comprises the novel features of construction, combinations of elements and arrangement of parts which will be more fully described in the following specification and then finally embodied in the clauses of the claim which are appended hereto and which form an essential part of the same.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the improved timer removed from the enme. g Fig. 2 represents a diametrical sectional view therethroug Fig. 3 represents an elevation of the interior of the timer detached.

eferring reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 5 indicates generally the body part or casing of the timer which is preferably of annular form and is provided with an inwardly directed annular flange 6 constituting a support for the insulator 7 which is arranged within the casing and is maintained in proper position by attaching bolts 9 positioned through registering openings 8 formed in the insulator and flange 6.

The bolts 9 are preferably arranged in uniformly spaced relation, and, as will be understood, are of a number corresponding to the number of cylinders in connection with which the timer is to be used and the inner Specification of Letters Patent.

to the drawing in detail where- Patented Oct. 1.2. 1920. Serial No. 325,338.

headed terminals of the bolts constitute convent the transmission of an electrical current from the bolts to the casing 5 at any desired point and is adapted to be actuated to effect the desired radiations in the position of the casing 5 with relation to the engine whereby the spark may be advanced or retarded, as desired in order to secure maximum efiiciency of the engine in operation.

The central of the casing 5 constitutes a slght open- 7 is depressed as indicated at 16 to provide an external circular shoulder 17 snugly fits within the fian e 6 and assists in maintaining the insulator in proper position. The thickness of the material of the insulator at the depression 16 is preferably decreased, as suggested in Fig. 2, in order to increase the transparency of the insulator at this point and which the sparks, if any, produced during the operation of the timer. are effectively reflected and rendered clearly visible.

Glass or such I alent wear resisting and transparent qualiutilized in the manufacture of the insulators 7 and, during the rotary movement of the spring actuated brush 10 over the several contact heads of the bolts the'electrical current is successively conducted through the bolts and from them 15 is attached to the 7 permit the interior mechalOO to the electrodes of the spark plugs of the engine through the usual distributer wires (not shown). Owing to the wear resisting quality. of the insulator 7 the latter is capable of long and extended use and owing to the transparent quality of the material the operation of the-timer may be viewed from a point exterior of the casing. In this manner it may be accurately ascertained whether the respective parts of the mechanism are properly functioning.

What I claim is:

1. A timer for explosive engines includ ing a casing provided with a sight opening, a transparent cover for said opening permitting inspection of the interior mechanism of the timer, and formed of insulating material, and contact members carried by the cover and arranged flush with the surface thereof.

2. In a timer for explosive engines, a casing provided with a sight opening, a' plurality of contact members, and a transparent cover for said opening constructed of insulating material and constituting a support for the contact members and forming a bearing surface.

3. A timer for explosive engines includthe cover and supporting the latter in the casing. c 1

4. In a timer, a casing provided with a sight opening, a removable insulator sup; ported in said casing, constituting a closure for the said opening and being constructed of insulating material, the medial portion of said insulator being depressed and extending through the sight opening and providing an internal reflecting surface.

5. In a timer, a casing provided with a sight opening, an insulator supported in said casing constructed of transparent material and having the central portion depressed and extended through the sight opening, said depressed portion defining an internal reflecting surface, a plurality of contact members securing the insulator in position in the casing, and means insulating the contact members from the metallic part of the casing.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature hereto.

CHARLES C. MANNING. I 

